Findings
Public survey
Questions were not mandatory therefore not everyone chose to complete every question.
Total page visits: 997
Total responses to the survey: 441
Paper copies completed: 15
When was the last time you visited the Usher Gallery? [choose one]
- all 441 respondents answered this question
- the largest proportion of respondents had visited the gallery within the last six months
- over 80 people said they had not been to the gallery in over three years.
- 45 people said they had never been to the Usher Gallery and were asked why this was
Why have you not returned to the Usher Gallery in over three years? [Select all that apply]
- 81 people said they had not returned to the Usher Gallery in over three years
- this question only appeared if respondents had said they had not returned to the gallery in over three years
The top three reasons for not returning to the gallery were:
- they felt they had seen everything
- pandemic closure
- they thought it was permanently closed
24 people responded ‘Other (please specify)’. The most common answers given as to why people had not returned were about:
- work commitments
- the building’s atmosphere
- not living in Lincoln
- travel and public transport
- parking in the city centre
- did not enjoy the art and were not interested
- not enough new exhibitions advertising
- not aware if there was new art on display
- caring responsibilities
Thinking of your last visit to the Usher Gallery, what made you decide to visit? [choose all that apply]
- 393 people answered this question (the total numbers add up to more than this figure because respondents could select more than one answer)
The top three most frequent answers were:
- enjoy visiting art galleries
- specific exhibition
- it’s free
62 people responded ‘Other (please specify)’. The most common answers were:
- research or for work
- education trips
- to show friends and family
- life drawing classes
- wedding event
- see Joseph banks
- works by Duncan grant
- Jame Usher collection
Thinking on your last visit to the Usher Gallery, please tell us what you may have enjoyed the most? [choose all that apply]
- this feedback will allow the team to understand what stands out to people when they visit, and which aspects need changing for the rehang
- 396 people answered this question
The three most chosen answers were:
- displays, artwork, and objects
- particular exhibition
- friendly and knowledgeable staff
16 people responded ‘other (please specify)’. The most common answers were:
- showing friends and family
- atmosphere of the building
- grounds
- arts and crafts room
- life drawing classes
- different exhibitions on offer
156 people responded with ‘a particular exhibition’. Of these, 129 people gave further detail to the ‘particular exhibition’ they had seen. The most common answers were:
- art student exhibitions
- Lincolnshire artists
- Sam Scorer exhibition
- Louth panorama exhibition
- David Remfry
- Joseph Banks expedition
- Grayson Perry (while this was held in Lincoln Museum, it is mentioned numerous times to this question)
- Gaia Earth exhibition
- Art Out of Isolation exhibition
- Community Choice
26 people responded with ‘an event for example a tour, or a specific talk’. Of these, 19 people gave further detail for this answer. The most common answers were:
- life drawing classes
- David Remfry and Martin Gayford talk
- community talk or event
- behind the scenes organised by the SLHA
- Dr Karolina Szynalska McAleavey talk
19 people responded with ‘I did not enjoy my visit’. Of these, 17 people explained why. The most common answers were:
- not interested in the art shown at the gallery
- atmosphere of the building
- outlook of the building
- not child friendly
- uninspiring
- too dark
If you have never been to the Usher Gallery, please tell us why [choose all that apply]
- 45 people said they had never been to the Usher Gallery
The three most common responses chosen were:
- didn’t know it was free
- had never heard of it
- didn’t know where it was
20 people responded ‘other (please specify)’. The most common answers were:
- lack of free parking and parking costs
- lack of publicity for events
- unsure what is on display or not interested
- travel to Lincoln
- unsure if its child friendly
- mobility problems
Is there anything you would like, or expect, to see more of in the Usher Gallery? For example, different interpretation, loaned artworks from other museums and new artworks.
- 378 people responded to this question
The key themes that emerged from this question were:
- more focus on contemporary art and ceramics
- more advertisement of the art and exhibitions
- more promotion to say it’s free
- loaned artworks
- more local artwork
- different or refresh the interpretation
- immersive experience and exhibitions
- further turnaround of the objectives and art
- better lighting
- travelling exhibitions
- more focus on textiles and embroideries
- themed galleries
Are there any further comments you would like to make about the Usher Gallery rehang?
- 281 people responded to this question
People gave a range of responses, from what they enjoyed to what they want to see more of. The key themes that emerged from this question were:
- more advertising
- better communication of events, talks, and workshops
- frequent rehangs
- Accessibility
- feature amateur artists
- better lighting
- better use of the space, including outdoor space
- enjoyed the talks
- enjoyed the galleries
- showing friends and family the gallery
- further collaborations
- tv screen use
Stories posted on Let’s Talk are available on the platform: Usher Gallery stories
About the respondents
These questions were voluntary but helped us understand who was answering the survey and visiting the gallery.
What is your age group?
- 441 people answered this question
The top three highest age categories were:
- 25 to 44 with 81 responses
- 45 to 64 with 185 responses
- 65 and over with 134 responses
What is your gender?
- 438 people answered this question, the results were:
- female with 278 responses
- male with 142 responses
- prefer to use own term with 4 responses
- prefer not to state with 14 responses
What area do you live in?
- 439 people answered this question, the top three highest districts were:
- The city of Lincoln with 178 responses
- North Kesteven with 84 responses
- West Lindsey with 80 responses
Do you consider yourself to have a disability?
- 438 people answered this question, the results were:
- 62 people said yes
- 360 people said no
- 16 people said prefer not to state
What is your ethnic background?
- 436 people answered this question, the results were:
- White British, or any white background 409 responses
- Asian British, or Asian 1 response
- Black British, Black, African or Caribbean 6 responses
- Prefer not to state 20 responses